For the last Slow Jam Saturday of the year, I wanted to highlight one of the most underrated voices in music, Mr. Kevin Ross, and his recently released single “This Winter”.
When I started my website, the essence of Slow Jam Saturday was always to celebrate tracks that resonate—melodies that don’t just aim to capture a fleeting moment but instead claim a lasting presence. Kevin Ross’ “This Winter” exemplifies this tradition perfectly.
It isn’t a festive tune designed to drown out the seasonal hustle and bustle; instead, it quietly draws you in, dims the lights, and reminds us why R&B has long been associated with intimacy, especially during cuffing season.
As an acclaimed singer-songwriter and one of today’s most dependable voices in modern R&B, Kevin Ross delivers “This Winter” with both subtlety and confidence. The song unfolds gradually, anchored by a seemingly simple refrain – “all I need is love for Christmas”—which resonates not just as a catchy phrase but as wisdom gained over time. Ross skillfully avoids exaggerating the emotion, allowing it to flourish naturally.
The enduring quality of this track evokes classic soul without merely falling into nostalgia. The melody exudes a cozy warmth, much like sitting by a fire. Simultaneously, his vocal delivery flows smoothly, creating a cinematic impact—personal enough to feel intimate yet polished enough to fill any space. This is the balance Ross has mastered throughout his career.
When Ross claims the song is about love being the greatest gift, it doesn’t come across as a mere promotional line. It feels genuine. “This Winter” conveys the message that the holidays aren’t about spectacle; they’re about connection with those you hold close. Who are you thinking about when the world slows down?
In a season crowded with novelty records, “This Winter” feels built for return visits. Not just this year, but the next one—and the one after that.
Final Grade: B+
“This Winter” is available on all streaming platforms.
I’ve always been a fan of Eric Bellinger. My admiration stems not only from the records he has released under his own name but also from the impressive career he built behind the scenes. Long before casual R&B listeners recognized his face, they were already familiar with his songwriting through tracks he penned for artists like Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Bieber, and Wale.
As many of you know, I had the opportunity to visit Paisley Park earlier this week while vacationing in Minnesota. During the tour, our guide shared that an expanded edition of Prince’s album “Parade” is expected to be released to celebrate its 40th anniversary. After spending the day exploring the Twin Cities, it felt like the perfect excuse to revisit one of the most fascinating and underrated albums in Prince’s legendary catalog.
One of the reasons I’ve always considered Prince to have the edge over Michael Jackson is his remarkable collection of ballads and